Inspired by the increasing blurring of living, working and travel for many, Airbnb has announced the launch of “Live Anywhere on Airbnb”, a program for 12 individuals* to live exclusively in listings on Airbnb for approximately one year**.
Whether it’s joining Zoom meetings by the beach, taking family on the ultimate road trip, or spending time living in the outback – participants can make anywhere their home for a year. We will ask that they share their experiences with us to help inform future product upgrades and innovations on the platform to better accommodate nomadic living. Airbnb will cover the cost of accommodations and provide an allowance for transportation for the duration of the program.
According to the Airbnb Report on Travel & Living, the share of stays 28 days or longer on Airbnb increased 10 percent in nights booked when comparing 2019 to Q1 2021. 11 percent of our long-term stay bookers in 2021 reported living a nomadic lifestyle, with 74 percent of consumers we surveyed across five countries, including Australia, expressing interest in living someplace other than where their employer is based after the pandemic is over.
The report also found that the percentage of rural nights booked in Australia jumped from 18% for winter 2019 to 42% in 2021, fueling demand for rural listings and unique homes like farm stays. Interestingly families are leading the redistribution of travel, using homes for longer stays to live anywhere, together. Almost 50% of Australians (47%) say that who they’re with and what they do together is the most important factor when planning travel this year.
Through this program, participants will provide real-world insights on features, services, and the experience of living nomadically, that could help shape the future of long-term living on Airbnb, including:
- Product changes and resources that could help improve the long-term living experience
- Ideal types of accommodations for solo travellers or groups like families
- Connections to local community members and businesses
- Better understanding of financial benefits of Hosting while travelling
From young families to remote workers, creatives, empty nesters, and more, we are seeking a diverse set of 12 individuals from across the globe who can be part of the program for 12 consecutive months from July 2021 to July 2022. Airbnb will assist with listing suggestions, local Experiences and more.
Participants who choose to host their primary residence on Airbnb during the program will be able to test the experience and opportunity of hosting while living nomadically, by potentially earning extra money while they travel. It’s possible for anyone who wants to host and take advantage of the coming travel surge. For new listings that were activated and booked in Q1 2021, 50 percent received a reservation request within four days of activation
Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb’s Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand, said “This is a unique opportunity for Aussies to be selected for a once in a lifetime year-long trip. Whether you’re a family who’s always dreamed about taking the kids on a farm stay adventure across rural Australia or a sun-seeking beach-lover who wants to spend the next year waking up in beautiful tropical north Queensland, this program aims to give 12 lucky people (and their companions) ultimate flexibility when it comes to blurring the lines between living, working and travelling.”
Those interested in embarking on their own nomadic adventure can submit their applications at www.airbnb.com/liveanywhere. Once selected, participants will begin their journeys with programming on how to live on Airbnb from Airbnb product and research team members and Live Anywhere experts, including experienced digital nomads like travelling journalist Imani Bashir.
*Participants must be 18 years of age or older. Each participant will be allowed to bring up to three companions to be part of the program.
**The program is 12 consecutive months from July 2021 to July 2022, 10 of which will include travelling to and living in listings on Airbnb. Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home and has since grown to 4 million Hosts who have welcomed more than 900 million guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, Hosts offer one-of-a-kind stays and unique Experiences that make it possible for guests to experience the world in a more authentic, connected way.
Applications for Live Anywhere on Airbnb are now open until June 30, 2021. The 12 participants will be selected by the panel of interviewers in July, and will begin travelling September 2021. For more information, see the Selection Terms.
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